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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
• Utah is ranked No. 10 on a list of states where wage growth has been erased by inflation and regional price increases, according to a study by MyPerfectResume of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living data. Nationally, wages rose 18 percent between 2020 and 2024. But after adjusting for inflation and local living costs, the typical worker’s real purchasing power fell 2.6 percent, amounting to a quiet, nationwide pay cut. In Utah, real purchasing power from 2020 to 2024 was unchanged. Workers in 41 states experienced an effective pay cut, led by Massachusetts and New York, at 5.3 percent. Only nine states saw real income gains, led by Idaho at 3.1 percent. Details are at https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/the-illusion-of-wage-growth.
• The median monthly rent in the Salt Lake City/Murray metro area is $1,878, two-bedroom rent is $1,832, three-bedroom rent is up to $2,447, and four-bedroom rent is $2,807, according to a study by Construction Coverage, an online publisher of construction industry research reports, using Housing and Urban Development and census data. Rents in the Salt Lake City metro sit 2.4 percent below the national median of $1,924. Nationally, rent inflation continues to outpace overall price growth. While the national Consumer Price Index rose 3 percent year-over-year in 2025, shelter costs increased by 3.6 percent. Thirteen states have median market rents exceeding $2,000 per month, an increase from 12 states last year. California leads the list, with a median rent of $2,895. The full report covers rental prices across more than 380 metropolitan areas and all 50 states. It is available at https://constructioncoverage.com/research/cities-with-the-most-expensive-rents.
• Utahns need to earn $285,518 annually to join the top 10 percent in the state, according to a study by MoneyLion. It analyzed data from the 2024 American Community Survey to estimate what households must earn to reach the top 10 percent in each state. The Utah figure is 2.95 times the state’s median income. The top 10 percent in Utah earn $188,860 more than median income than the median household of $96,658. Connecticut leads the nation with the highest top 10 percent income at $370,003. The top 10 percent make more than $300,000 in 10 more states. California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey are the only five states with six-figure median household incomes. Details are at https://www.moneylion.com/trending/money/income-needed-to-crack-the-top-10-percent-in-every-state/.
• Utah households spend an average of $931 per month on groceries, according to a study by Trace One, which specializes in regulatory compliance and PLM solutions for the food and beverage industry. That places Utah No. 33 among states for grocery spending burden. That accounts for 7.3 percent of Utah total consumer spending and 49.9 percent of all food spending. Total Utah monthly average spending on food is $1,865, with average monthly dining-out spending being $934. Details are at https://www.traceone.com/resources/plm-compliance-blog/grocery-store-items-that-have-increased-most-in-price.
• Utah is ranked No. 4 on a list of states in the 2026 American Adventure Index, compiled by vacation rental company Wander. The list ranks states on access to land, water and winter experiences, factoring in trail density, national parks, camping access, and water-based activities, all adjusted per 100,000 residents. The top-ranked state overall is Wyoming, which also ranked No. 1 for hiking trails. Vermont is tops for skiing and mountain biking trails. Best for horseback riding trails is Montana. Hawaii is tops for water sports. Details are at https://www.wander.com/article/american-adventure-index.
• Utah is ranked No. 7 on an “Index of State Education Freedom,” compiled by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). It evaluated how well each state offers families a diverse set of education options across five key categories: student-centered funding, charter schools, homeschooling, virtual schools and open enrollment. Utah earned an overall A-minus grade in the report, receiving top marks for its homeschooling and open enrollment policies. The state ranks among the top seven nationally for homeschooling and the top six for open enrollment programs. Utah also received a “B” grade for its virtual schooling and charter school policies — ranking eighth in the nation — and a “C” grade for its student-centered funding programs. Details are at https://alec.org/publication/2026-alec-index-of-state-education-freedom-a-50-state-guide-to-parental-empowerment/.
• The Parleys Canyon section of Interstate 80 is the most-avoided winter route in Utah, according to a survey of drivers by RVWindwhieldReplacement.com. It was followed by Interstate 15 in Salt Lake City and U.S. Route 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon. The most-avoided winter route nationally is Seward Highway in Turnagain Arm and Turnagain Pass, Alaska. Details are at https://www.rvwindshieldreplacement.com/cold-calculations.php.
• The Break Sports Grill in Saratoga Springs was the best place in Utah to watch the Super Bowl and eat, according to a survey by Gambling ‘N Go. It was followed by The Brickyard Bar in Millcreek and Flanker Kitchen & Sporting Club in Salt Lake City. Details are at https://gamblingngo.com/guides/survey-top-places-to-eat-drink-watch-the-super-bowl/.
INTERNATIONAL
• World Trade Center Utah is accepting applications through March 13 for participation in a trade mission to Germany and Switzerland taking place April 17-25. Industry focus areas are advanced manufacturing, investment and foreign direct investment (FDI), fintech, apprenticeship and workforce development, and transportation. The trip cost is $4,000. The first round of applicants will be notified of acceptance by Feb. 13. Details are available by contacting trademissions@wtcutah.com.
INVESTMENT
• Med Venture Health has changed its name to Wasatch Health. The Salt Lake City-based company said the move “reflects the firm’s regional roots, its connection to Utah’s rapidly expanding life sciences ecosystem, and its ambition to serve as a long-term partner to companies across the Mountain West.” The company is a private equity and growth investor focused on building and scaling innovative life sciences and medical technology companies. In addition to the growth equity strategy, Wasatch Health manages a structured capital fund, which provides flexible capital solutions at a wide range of amounts, and is actively working toward launching an SBIC fund.
REAL ESTATE
• Utah City, a 700-acre, mixed-use community being built in Vineyard, recently had an open house marking the completion of 220 Bend. Opening alongside its companion, 120 Bend, 220 Bend features a collection of 452 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and townhomes. 220 Bend, along with the additional townhomes in 120 Bend, adds 150 residences to the community. There are currently 100 residents in Utah City. 220 Bend’s opening follows the launch of locally owned and operated grocery store Bella’s Market. Led by The Flagship Cos. and designed by Jeff Speck and DPZ, Utah City also will include a 20-acre Huntsman Cancer Institute campus.
RECOGNITIONS
• Connie Rogers, an attorney at Parsons Behle & Latimer, Salt Lake City, has received the 2025 President’s Award from the American Exploration & Mining Association. It was presented at AEMA’s recent annual convention and is selected each year by the association’s president of the Board of Trustees to recognize an individual who has provided significant or special service to AEMA. Rogers was recognized for her past service on AEMA’s Board of Trustees, her role as founding co-chair of the association’s Native American Resources and Outreach Committee, and her many years as a presenter in the convention’s technical sessions. At Parsons Behle & Latimer, Rogers has been counseling clients in environmental and natural resources; energy; and mining, including permitting, regulatory compliance, land use, water issues and matters involving tribal governments and indigenous peoples for more than 25 years.
• Kelly Mahannah, president of workforce solutions at Supplemental Health Care, has been named to the 2026 “Staffing 100 North America” list by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). The honor recognizes the most influential leaders in the staffing industry who have made exceptional contributions and demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing workforce solutions. SHC is a Cottonwood Heights-based health care managed service provider organization. Mahannah led the rollout of an enhanced workforce analytics platform and launched a groundbreaking direct sourcing partnership, delivering measurable value to clients and furthering SHC’s reputation for innovation. Mahannah presented on MSP innovation at SIA’s 2025 Healthcare Staffing Summit and actively mentors female employees through SHC’s internal employee resource group, SheConnects.
• Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, a Utah political subdivision that provides wholesale electric energy, transmission and other energy services on a nonprofit basis to community-owned power systems throughout the Intermountain West, has earned a Print & Digital Excellence in Public Power Communications Award from the American Public Power Association, for its use of Wattson, the organization’s public power mascot introduced in 2025. Wattson is a tool for outreach, education and connection, designed to help simplify complex energy topics; spark curiosity; and create memorable touchpoints with students, families and community members. The APPA presented Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards to 53 public power electric utilities and utility organizations during APPA’s Customer Connections Conference in Salt Lake City. Entries were judged across three categories — Print & Digital, Web & Social Media, and Video — to recognize ingenuity and creativity in storytelling, design, data presentation, graphics, engagement and overall execution. UAMPS was presented with an Award of Merit in Class B (for those with gross revenues of $200 million to $400 million).
• Banner Capital, based in Lehi, is included on a list of “2026 Top 50 Private Equity Firms in the Middle Market,” produced by GCI Publishing, part of Grady Campbell, a private equity branding and marketing firm. Inclusion recognizes firms that demonstrate differentiated investment strategies, consistent execution and strong performance. The selection process evaluates firms based on factors including investment performance, firm strategy, deal execution, and reputation within the private equity ecosystem. Banner Capital is a lower middle market private equity firm focused on partnering with founder-led and family-owned businesses in the western United States. The firm operates from offices in Utah and Arizona and manages $654 million in assets.
• Two brands of Five Star Franchising, based in Springville, are on a Franchise 500 list, compiled by Entrepreneur. The list recognizes the top franchise opportunities in the U.S., with rankings determined based on unit growth, financial stability and overall brand recognition. Five Star Bath Solutions made the list at No. 123 while achieving the No. 1 position within the Kitchen and Bath Remodeling category. It was the eighth consecutive appearance for Five Star Bath Solutions on the list. Mosquito Shield came in at No. 269, representing its fifth consecutive appearance.
SCHOLARSHIPS
• Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, a Utah political subdivision that provides wholesale electric energy, transmission and other energy services on a nonprofit basis to community-owned power systems throughout the Intermountain West, is accepting applications for the second year of the Steel Solar 1(A) and 1(B) scholarships, which supports high school seniors pursuing education or career pathways that advance affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. In partnership with its 50 member utilities across Utah, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming, UAMPS will award eight $2,500 scholarships to eligible students in 2026. Seniors in UAMPS member utilities may apply by writing a 500-to-1,000-word essay on the future of energy and how their educational and career plan will promote or advance the sustainability of energy. Sophomores and juniors may also apply for the ICUA Youth Rally Scholarship, which provides a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to attend a week-long leadership and public power education camp in Idaho. The program introduces students to public power, builds leadership skills, and encourages civic engagement among future community leaders. Details about the scholarships are available at uamps.com/scholarship.
SPORTS
• Major League Soccer on Feb. 21 will launch “Walmart Saturday Showdown,” spotlighting a marquee MLS matchup each Saturday throughout the regular season. The series of matches includes the Feb. 28 match between Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC. As part of the league’s partnership with Apple, all MLS matches will be available on Apple TV starting in 2026. The Walmart Saturday Showdown will feature enhanced production across Apple TV and MLS platforms.